Designers to Reimagine The Leading Ladies Of “The Wizard Of Oz”

Burbank, CA—They’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz…not to mention Dorothy, Glinda and even the Wicked Witch.

In conjunction with the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the classic “Wizard of Oz,” designers including Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan Atelier, Herve Leger by Max Azria and more will design glamorous costumes inspired by Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. The haute couture dolls will make their debut during New York Fashion Week at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) on September 4, at which time they will be available for bidding on eBay for a charity auction, with all proceeds contributing to the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign benefitting Habitat for Humanity.

Charity Auction

“Seventy-five years after The Wizard of Oz first captured the hearts of audiences, Warner Bros. Consumer Productst and Tonner Doll are excited to bring new life and a modern flare to the film’s beloved characters,” said Karen McTier, executive vice president, Domestic Licensing and Worldwide Marketing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “And with the help of an incredibly talented roster of prestigious fashion designers, the Leading Ladies of The Wizard of Oz are going to transform the Yellow Brick Road into an unforgettable runway.”

“These creations are beyond expectation–inspired, visionary and absolutely enchanting from head to toe,” said Robert Tonner, Tonner Doll Company CEO and acclaimed doll artist. “This is The Wizard of Oz and its leading ladies in a way you’ve never seen them before. Each doll is quite…bewitching, to say the least, and we are thrilled and honored to be a part of both the anniversary celebration, and generating proceeds for such a worthy cause.”

Beginning Sept. 4, the dolls will be on display to the public at FIT and available for bidding by fans on eBay Giving Works. The online charity auction, managed by Auction Cause, will continue until Sept.14, with gross proceeds supporting Habitat for Humanity’s work to create decent, safe, and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families. (www.WizardofOzDollAuction.com)

BCBGMAXAZRIA’s sketch of Glinda the Good Witch

Beginning last year, Warner Bros. and Habitat for Humanity teamed up for the “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign, featuring themed initiatives and events in celebration of the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. The ongoing program, which brings the most memorable line from the classic film to life, offers a dedicated website where consumers can support the campaign, which can be found at www.TheWizardofOz.com/Habitat

About Habitat for Humanity International

Habitat for Humanity International’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Anchored by the conviction that safe and affordable housing provides a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty, Habitat has helped more than 4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes since 1976. Habitat also advocates for fair and just housing policies and provides training and access to resources to help more families improve their shelter conditions. As a nonprofit Christian housing organization, Habitat works in more than 70 countries and welcomes people of all races, religions and nationalities to partner in its mission. www.habitat.org